The Roottrees are Dead
" Engaging adventure with rewarding deduction and nostalgic 90s setting but repetitive late-game research "
The Roottrees are Dead Review
The Roottrees are Dead is a highly praised detective puzzle game that immerses players in a 1998 setting where they must deduce the complex family tree of the Roottree dynasty using period-accurate internet searches, documents, and clues. The gameplay combines research, note-taking, and logical deduction without hand-holding, offering a rewarding "AHA!" experience akin to classics like Return of the Obra Dinn and Her Story. Players engage deeply with the story and characters, enjoying the nostalgic 90s atmosphere, detailed artwork, and evocative soundtrack.
While the base game is lauded for its design, pacing, and satisfying mystery, the post-game mode, Roottreemania, introduces more challenging and sometimes tedious research that requires revisiting prior clues extensively, which some found frustrating. Despite this, the title is celebrated for its originality, strong writing, and the immersive detective experience it offers. It appeals especially to players who enjoy methodical puzzle-solving and genealogical mysteries without pressure or reflex challenges.
Highlights
Players especially praise the game's clever deduction mechanics that reward careful research and logical thinking without guesswork. The detailed and atmospheric 90s setting, complemented by quality artwork from Henning Ludvigsen and a fitting soundtrack, enhances immersion. The storyline is engaging, with richly developed characters and juicy family drama that unfolds organically. The hint system is subtle and supportive, helping players stay on track without spoiling the experience. The addition of Roottreemania expands the mystery and offers a fresh challenge, adding depth to the overall narrative.
Criticisms
Common criticisms focus on the post-game mode, Roottreemania, which many found to be a slog due to repetitive searches and less intuitive clues, leading to frustration and reduced enjoyment. The family tree structure is pre-defined, which some felt diminished the joy of discovery. Some players noted occasional UI quirks and repetitive music. Replayability is limited since the puzzle solutions remain static. A few players mentioned that the research mechanics can feel like guess-and-check when searching for specific terms and that the information overload in Roottreemania could be better managed with improved organizational tools.
Pros
- • Engaging and rewarding deduction mechanics with logical puzzle-solving.
- • Immersive 90s setting with nostalgic internet and computer simulation.
- • Beautiful, detailed artwork by a renowned board game artist.
- • Subtle and effective hint system that avoids spoiling solutions.
- • Rich, well-written storyline with compelling family drama.
- • Satisfying progression with locking in confirmed clues.
- • Additional post-game content Roottreemania adds depth.
Cons
- • Roottreemania mode involves repetitive, tedious research and backtracking.
- • Pre-defined family tree reduces discovery satisfaction for some players.
- • Information overload in late game lacks sufficient organizational tools.
- • UI could be improved for smoother note-taking and evidence management.
- • Music becomes repetitive over long play sessions.
- • Some search terms feel like guesswork rather than logical deduction.
- • Limited replayability due to static puzzle solutions.
Rating Criteria
A genealogical mystery straight out of 1998. Scour the early Internet for clues, uncover hidden connections, and piece together the family tree behind the secretive Roottree Corporation.
